“The Community Memorial Outreach Lab Program provides convenient mobile lab service to various skilled nursing and assisted living facilities throughout Ventura County,” said Megan O’Neil, Business Development Manager at Community Memorial Healthcare. “This program is more than 10 years old, and we are the only health system in Ventura County to offer this service. The community-based program enhances the continuum of care as patients discharge from the hospital to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.”
According to O’Neil, lab results are securely shared with the ordering physician and the facility where the patient resides. “STAT lab services are also available and results are provided within 4 hours from the time of the lab draw. This is helpful when a patient is very sick and the physician needs to determine the next step in medical care,” said O’Neil. “ Complete lab results for patient review are also available through Community Memorial Healthcare’s patient portal.”
Community Memorial currently partners with the following skilled nursing facilities to provide mobile lab services:
Glenwood Care Center
Camarillo Healthcare Center
Victoria Care Center
Ventura Post Acute
Coastalview Healthcare Center
Maywood Health Care Center
Camarillo Senior Living
Shoreline Care Center
Oxnard Manor Healthcare Center
Santa Paula Post-Acute
Greenfield Care Center of Fillmore.
Assisted living facilities benefiting from the program include:
The Ventura Townhouse
Aegis Assisted Living
Cypress Place Senior Living
The Palms of Bonaventure
AlmaVia of Camarillo
California Veterans Home of Ventura.
In addition to the Outreach Laboratory Program, Community Memorial has three outpatient lab draw stations:
Community Memorial Hospital-Ventura, at 147 North Brent Street, Ventura. 805-948-3138.
Community Memorial Hospital-Ojai at 1306 Maricopa Highway, Ojai. 805-948-2245.
Community Memorial Health Center, at 422 Arneill Road, Camarillo. 805-948-4523.
For current hours, online scheduling, and additional information, please visit: mycmh.org/lab.
The Senior Community Services Employment Training Program (SCSEP) provides limited employment training and wages for low-income persons aged 55 and older. This program helps older adults seeking employment to gain the skills needed in today’s job market. SCSEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and focuses on the needs of mature workers, the community, and employers.
Discover what SCSEP can offer you:
• Services tailored to each individual
• Second career training opportunities
• Training at community-based organizations
• Training with flexible schedules
• Receive on-the-job training
• Receive a paid stipend while participating
What are the eligibility requirements? • 55 years or older
• Be unemployed & need further training to perform jobs available in the area
• Be a resident of the county where the program is managed by VCAAA
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Meet family income requirements (limit of 125% of Poverty Guidelines)
Learn more about the Senior Community Service Employment Program: Visit www.vcaaa.org/work or call (805) 477-7300.
The Ventura County ADRC provides a coordinated point of entry to ensure older adults and people with disabilities have access to the services and support needed to remain independent in the community. The ADRC is a partnership between the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC). Core services provided include: Enhanced Information & Referral, Options Counseling, Short-Term Service Coordination, and Transition Services.
ADRC Transition Advocates will facilitate transitions for individuals from a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or any other institutional settings back into the home. Living in the community is significantly more cost effective compared to institutional living, but more importantly it increases quality of life and improves overall health outcomes.
For more information on Ventura County’s ADRC, visit www.vcaaa.org or call (805) 477-7300.
For many, transitioning to retirement often means downsizing. Moving from a house with a garden to a smaller accommodation with a patio or balcony can make life easier and more affordable. However, for gardening enthusiasts, giving up a garden can be challenging. Studies suggest that gardening is key to maintaining physical and mental health as we age.
A 2020 Australian study examined the relationships between home and community gardening and the self-reported psychosocial and physical well-being of older adults. Researchers Theresa L. Scott, Barbara M. Masser, and Nancy A. Pachana published their findings in the National Library of Medicine under the title “Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: Older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavors, social engagement and exercise.” Their study of 331 Australian gardeners aged 60-95 reported numerous benefits from leisure gardening. According to the study, “Restoration and Physical benefits were the strongest explanatory variables of participants’ positive aging self-perceptions. Members of gardening groups reported significantly more social and physical benefits than non-members.”
Image by Freepik
Psychological Benefits The study supports promoting positive aging through gardening. Whether gardening or simply being in a garden, contact with nature is crucial for attaining therapeutic benefits. Exposure to nature through gardens can enhance psychological well-being by regulating emotions and relieving stress. Early research shows that viewing nature through windows or pictures can positively affect stress recovery, lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate. Because natural environments require less effortful attention and can distract from daily hassles, especially for frail older adults, simply being in a garden or viewing garden elements may provide relaxation and restoration.
Gardening allows older adults to connect with nature, nurture the environment, and care for plants. It also offers creative opportunities in planning and designing gardens. For those driven to learn about new plants or plan new projects, gardening stimulates mental activity. Cognitive benefits are also present in gardening societies or groups focused on learning about plants, gardening history, or Latin plant names.
Physical Benefits Gardening requires regular care, offering older adults increased physical activity. This can prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of some cancers, type 2 diabetes, depression, and heart disease, which are significant health risks and contributors to healthcare costs. A UK study found that moderate to heavy gardening activity of four or more hours per week significantly reduced morbidity and mortality rates in middle-aged and older men with cardiovascular disease.
Social Benefits of Gardening: Community Gardens and Gardening Clubs Gardening groups offer individuals a way to connect with nature and each other, providing social benefits. Group membership can be especially important for older adults during changes like retirement. Connecting with gardening group members allows people to receive social support and contribute positively to others’ lives, protecting against isolation and loneliness.
Ventura’s Community Gardens Locals have several options for community gardening. For more information, call the City of Ventura Garden Hotline at 805-658-4754 or visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1715/Community-Gardens.
Cornucopia Community Garden
Cornucopia Community Garden is Ventura’s largest community garden, with approximately 150 plots available for rent. Managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, the garden attracts community members from all walks of life who come together to cultivate the land and enjoy the outdoors.
Kellogg Community Garden
Kellogg Park Community Garden is Ventura’s newest community garden with 47 plots available for rent. Managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, the garden attracts community members who come together to garden, enjoy time with neighbors, and celebrate their harvest.
Westpark Community Garden
Westpark Community Garden has 22 plots available to rent. Managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, the garden attracts community members who live near Westpark, enjoy cultivating the land, and celebrating their harvest.
In our last issue, we featured an article about a “Dream Flight” adventure experienced by some of the residents of The Palms at Bonaventure, however, we did not attribute the photographs correctly. All photographs were by Brandy McCauley, LVN. Back Row – Left to Right: Andrea Maclean, Don Renner (87), David Hanson (85), Les McCormick (81), and Bill Hughes (93). Front Row – Left to Right: Clint Cawley, John White, Brandy McCauley, Merilyn Chaffee.
The cost of long-term care can be a significant concern for older adults and their caregivers. These expenses can consume a substantial portion of monthly income, even for those who believe they have saved enough. How individuals pay for long-term care depends on their financial situation and the types of services they need.
Many people assume their current health or disability insurance will cover long-term care, but most of these policies offer limited, if any, long-term care benefits. Consequently, individuals often need to find other ways to pay for these services. They may utilize a variety of payment sources, including personal funds, federal and state government programs, and private financing options.
The Eldercare Locator The Eldercare Locator can help you find resources in your area, including in-home help and transportation, and can provide information about paying for care. Visit the Eldercare Locator online at www.eldercare.acl.gov or call 800-677-1116.
Personal Funds Many older adults cover the cost of long-term care with their own money, known as personal or “out-of-pocket” funds. This may include personal savings, pensions or other retirement funds, income from investments, or proceeds from selling a home.
Initially, family and friends often provide personal care and other services, such as transportation, at no cost. However, as the needs increase, paid services may become necessary.
Older adults frequently pay out of pocket for adult day care programs, meals, and other community-based services that help them stay in their homes. In some cases, these services are offered for free or at a low cost by local governments and nonprofit organizations. Professional care in assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities is almost always paid for out of pocket. In some states, Medicaid may cover certain costs for eligible individuals. More information on Medicaid and other government programs can be found below.
LongTermCare.gov offers details about long-term care needs and available benefits. Visit the Costs & Who Pays page to learn more about the costs of long-term care, who pays for services, what insurance covers, and self-payment options.
Older adults may qualify for some government health care benefits. Caregivers can assist by learning about possible financial aid sources and helping older adults apply for appropriate assistance.
Several federal and state programs assist with healthcare-related costs. Over time, the benefits and eligibility requirements of these programs can change, and some benefits vary by state. For the most recent information, check directly with the individual programs.
Government Programs
Medicare
Medicaid
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Social Security Administration Programs
Private Financing Options
In addition to personal funds and government programs, several private payment options are available, including long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, certain life insurance policies, annuities, and trusts. The best option depends on many factors, including the person’s age, health status, and financial situation.
Compensation for Family Caregivers
Family caregivers often make significant sacrifices to care for older, sick, or disabled relatives, with some even quitting their jobs to provide full-time care. Caregiving involves many costs, such as travel expenses, bill payments, and household essentials, which can create a considerable financial burden.
Many states offer compensation for family caregivers, but laws, eligibility, and funding for this support vary by state. The most common source of assistance is Medicaid, which provides several state-based programs for eligible individuals based on income or disability. These programs include home- and community-based services, adult foster care, and Medicaid personal care services. For more information, contact your state Medicaid agency.
Veterans and individuals with certain diseases may also qualify for financial assistance through federal and state agencies or private organizations. Information is available through the Eldercare Locator or by calling 800-677-1116.
Long-term care insurance often covers care at home. However, policies differ regarding who can deliver that care. In some cases, only professional services are covered, while in others, family members can be paid to provide care. Check with your long-term care insurer for the specifics of your policy.
Ventura County will host the first annual Government and Disability Summit from Sept. 24-27, 2024. This conference presents a unique opportunity for representatives from various levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and companies from across California to increase their involvement in building bridges and breaking barriers in the realm of disability awareness. This is the first step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible community for people with disabilities or issues related to disabilities.
Dani Anderson, disability access manager for Ventura County, says, “As a lifelong Ventura County resident with a disability, it makes me so proud to lead this effort to create change within the state!”
Attendees will engage in collaborative dialogues with diverse stakeholders to co-create a more inclusive future for communities throughout California. Topics covered will include emergency preparedness, transportation, voting, accessibility, and technology. The summit will also address health, recreation, employment, and collaboration. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities to share their experiences and educate others, championing accessibility at the government level.
Anderson explained that sponsors of this groundbreaking event will gain brand exposure while advocating for a more inclusive and accessible California. “The deadline to become a sponsor is Aug. 23; however, the earlier the better to get all of the sponsorship benefits!”
To register for the event or join the email list, visit www.govdisabilitysummit.org or contact Dani Anderson, disability access manager for Ventura County, at [email protected].
Retired Fire Chief, David Hanson, 85, enjoying the moment. Photos by Janie Tran.
by Janie Tran
It was a privilege to sit down with four residents of The Palms as they recounted their incredible experience with Dream Flights on May 15, 2024. Don Renner (87), Bill Hughes (93), Les McCormick (81), and David Hanson (85) were still giddy and full of smiles as they shared their experience of a lifetime.
Former Navy Petty Officer and Policeman, Don Renner, 87, getting ready to fly.
Don Renner enjoyed sitting at the front of the plane. It was his first time on a biplane, checking off a bucket list item. He hopes to check off parachuting and sailing next. The feeling of getting off the ground was magical for Don. He served in the Navy as a Petty Officer for six years, served in the Police Force for 20 years, and was married to his wife, Dee, for 68 years before her recent passing. Don is also a past Resident Council Chairman and a talented artist.
Bill Hughes, a First Class Navy flight engineer who served for 20 years, including in Vietnam, is considered a “big ball of sunshine” at The Palms. He was very excited about this Dream Flight!
Les McCormick, a 3rd Class Petty Officer who served for four years in the Navy/United Nations Command in Korea, is new to The Palms but is social and enjoys their outings. He started their Man Cave Monday social gathering and loves meeting new friends. This was his first time on a biplane, checking off another bucket list item. The next item on his list is parachuting.
David Hanson, an 85-year-old retired Fire Chief of 30 years, is one of the Ambassadors at The Palms, where he lives with his wife, Nancy, and their Pug, Bella. For David, the flight was a flashback to the past.
Back Row – Left to Right: Andrea Maclean, Don Renner (87), David Hanson (85), Les McCormick (81), and Bill Hughes (93). Front row left to right is Front Row – Left to Right: Clint Cawly, John White, Brandy McCauly, Merilyn Chaffee.
It was heartwarming to see these four seniors thanked for their service with an experience of a lifetime. Thanks to Dream Flights, a nonprofit that takes military veterans and seniors up in a biplane once used to train WWII pilots. Staff from The Palms cheered them on as they took to the skies in Dream Flights’ Boeing Stearman biplane at Camarillo Airport.
The highlight for these residents was the care and compassion of the volunteers and staff. They all agreed that the flawless takeoff and landing made the experience memorable. Despite the cloudy day, once the flights took off, the skies cleared for great visibility. For a moment, all aches and limitations were forgotten, replaced by giddiness and freedom.
This experience was more than a memory; it was a reminder of their younger days, a connection to the past, and perhaps one of their last great adventures. Dream Flights makes dreams come true, one flight at a time.
Today’s soaring food prices are deeply problematic for countless Venturans, but they’re particularly stressful for those on a fixed income. For many seniors, regular access to nutritious food can be challenging, but there is help available in the form of local and statewide programs designed to combat food insecurity.
Food Share Ventura County
Since 1978, Food Share has been feeding the hungry in Ventura County. According to Food Share, one in four people in Ventura County lives in a household that experiences food insecurity. Today, staff and volunteers distribute nearly 19 million pounds of food, providing 16 million meals annually to people in Ventura County through its hunger programs and 190 pantry and program partners. As Ventura County’s regional food bank, Food Share provides food for over 250,000 hungry friends and neighbors annually. Food Share is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief network of food banks, as well as the California Association of Food Banks.
Food Share’s Senior Food Box program works to improve the health of low-income seniors by providing monthly, nutritious, shelf-stable food packages to income-eligible seniors aged 60 and over. Currently, Food Share has close to 40 Senior Food Box distribution sites throughout Ventura County that cater to the needs of seniors living on a fixed income. Visit FoodShare.com to learn about eligibility requirements or contact Angela Aparicio at [email protected] or call 805-983-7100.
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
The Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) provides nutritious meals for older adults and people with disabilities within Ventura County, including Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal (HDM) services. These meal programs provide seniors with nutritious meals and contribute to maintaining their health, safety, dignity, and quality of life. Since the COVID-19 crisis began in March 2020, the VCAAA has served more than eight million meals to Ventura County’s older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
All SNP meals are approved by a Registered Dietitian to meet U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are geared toward the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) and Adequate Intake for vitamins and elements for older, frail adults. These meals provide a minimum of one-third of the DRI and accommodate diabetic and low-sodium diets.
The Senior Nutrition Program is not income-based. There’s a suggested donation of $3 per meal; however, no eligible individual (60 years and over) will be denied participation because of failure or inability to contribute. This valuable service is sustained with the help of contributions.
To find a local dining site or home-delivered meal program near you, visit vcaaa.org. For general information about Senior Nutrition, contact VCAAA at 805-477-7300 or email [email protected].
With the percentage of elderly people in Ventura County forecasted to grow to 30% of the population within the next several years, preserving the high quality of advocacy that the Ombudsman of Ventura County has been providing since 1981 is even more critical. “We are very excited to have Keith Gosselin transition intro the position of Executive Director,” stated Sylvia Taylor-Stein, current Executive Director, who will transition into a new role and continue to serve the volunteers, long-term care residents, and the community that she loves. She said that, “He has effectively expanded the capabilities of several nonprofit organizations during his professional career.
Gosselin, who has a BA in Management from Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles, and an MBA from the College of William & Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been a tenured Associate Professor at Mount Saint Mary’s University, along with having been an adjunct faculty member at Cal State University, Northridge, California Lutheran University, and University of CA Los Angeles and UCLA.
During his 20+ years of college instruction, he taught mostly marketing classes, such as Principles of Marketing, Advertising Sales Management, Market Research, Social Media Marketing the Nonprofit, and International Marketing. And, with his MBA in Finance, along with a high-tech background, he taught Principles of Finance, along with Management of Information Systems at Mount Saint Mary’s University, every year.
Gosselin’s most recent position was as the Executive Director for His Hands on Africa, a nonprofit that provides free dental services in Rwanda. He was tasked with increasing U.S. donations to finance expansive efforts, which he did by growing the annual fundraising from $350,000 to over $850,000 in just one year. As a result, the number of Rwandans receiving free oral health care will continue to increase significantly over the next decade.
Long Term Care Services of Ventura County, Inc. is a 501c 3 nonprofit that advocates for the higher quality of life and care possible for all our disabled and elderly living in long term care facilities. The Ombudsman staff & volunteers make unannounced and unscheduled visits to long term care facilities to help ensure the quality of care and the quality of life for the elderly and disabled residents. Gosselin said, “I am honored to be a part of a best-in-class organization that represents the needs of two of the often-overlooked populations in our communities: the elderly and the disabled.”
In terms of goals, Gosselin said, “My priority at Long Term Care is to retain the incredibly high level of quality of services that the program has provided the community for the last 25+ years (courtesy of Sylvia Taylor-Stein)), through our staff and incredible volunteers. Secondarily, I plan on increasing and diversifying our funding to reduce our reliance on government grants and to expand upon our services into the areas of the community that we would like to better serve.
For more information about the Ombudsman of Ventura County program, please visit www.ombusmanventura.org.
